Tag: telematics

57% Of Van Drivers Risk Fines And Insurance Hikes

Posted on by News Desk

Introduction

Distracted driving is a growing concern, especially among van drivers in the UK.

Recent research reveals that over half of UK van drivers are still checking their phones while driving.

This behaviour puts both drivers and other road users at risk.

Despite advancements in hands-free technology and stricter laws, many drivers continue to ignore the rules.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this article:

  • How widespread mobile phone use is among UK van drivers.
  • The legal and financial consequences of being caught.
  • Why hands-free technology is underutilised despite being widely available.
  • The serious safety hazards linked to distracted driving.
  • Practical tips to avoid distractions and reduce van insurance costs.

The Prevalence Of Phone Use Among UK Van Drivers

Van drivers are essential to keeping the UK moving.

But there’s a troubling trend.

57% of van drivers admit to checking their phones while driving.

Let that sink in for a moment.

This figure, while 7% lower than last year, is still alarmingly high.

The Department for Transport (DfT) found van drivers are twice as likely to use their phones.

This rate is significantly higher than other drivers.

Think about the implications of that.

Heavier vehicles.

Busier schedules.

And now, distracted driving.

These elements, when combined, ultimately create the perfect storm for potential accidents.

However, this issue isn’t just about breaking the law.

More importantly, it’s about taking the necessary steps to protect lives on the road.

Van Drivers: The Law On Mobile Phone Use While Driving

The laws surrounding phone use while driving have tightened significantly.

In 2022, new regulations made it illegal to hold or use devices like phones or tablets while driving.

Here’s the key takeaway:

The law applies whether you’re online or offline.

Even if your vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a red light, you can’t use a device in your hand.

And there’s more.

If your engine automatically shuts off when stationary, the law still applies.

So, what happens if you’re caught?

Six penalty points.

A £200 fine.

And if you’re a new driver, six points could mean losing your licence altogether.

This is a risk no van driver can afford to take.

Hands-Free Technology For Van Drivers: A Missed Opportunity?

Van drivers aren’t short on options to avoid distracted driving.

The latest research reveals that 93% of van drivers have access to hands-free technology.

And nearly all—98%—use it at least once a day.

So, why are so many still reaching for their phones?

The answer might surprise you.

Old habits die hard.

Some drivers find hands-free systems inconvenient or less reliable than their phones.

Others feel pressured to respond to messages instantly.

But here’s the reality:

Breaking this habit is not just essential for safety.

It’s also critical for your wallet.

Distracted driving increases the likelihood of accidents, which can drive up your insurance premiums.

Safe driving habits, on the other hand, can help lower your costs.

Looking to save on your premiums?

Read this guide on How Telematics Devices Can Save You Money on Van Insurance.

The Safety Hazards Of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving isn’t just a legal issue.

It’s a safety crisis.

Drivers who use phones—whether hand-held or hands-free—are four times more likely to crash.

Let that sink in.

This behaviour significantly reduces hazard detection.

It also increases reaction times.

Imagine this:

A split-second delay can mean the difference between stopping in time and causing a serious accident.

For van drivers, the risks are even greater.

Larger vehicles take longer to stop.

The consequences of distracted driving are magnified.

No text or call is worth the potential devastation.

Practical Tips To Stay Safe And Avoid Fines

So, how can van drivers stay safe and compliant?

Here are some practical steps:

  1. Use built-in hands-free technology.
    Familiarise yourself with your vehicle’s features to minimise the need to touch your phone.
  2. Enable driving mode on your phone.
    Apps like Apple’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” or Android’s “Focus Mode” can block notifications automatically.
  3. Invest in telematics devices.
    These devices monitor driving behaviour and can reward safe habits with lower insurance premiums.
  4. Plan your route in advance.
    Setting up your navigation before starting your journey eliminates the need to fiddle with devices.
  5. Keep your phone out of reach.
    Place it in the glove box or a bag to avoid temptation.

These small changes can make a big difference.

Not only can they protect your safety, but they can also save you money on cheap van insurance.

How Safe Driving Impacts Van Insurance Costs

Here’s something every van driver should know:

Insurance companies reward safe drivers.

By avoiding fines, points, and accidents, drivers show responsibility.

This behaviour positively reflects on their driving habits.

As a result, many insurers are more likely to offer discounts to those with clean records.

Telematics devices, in particular, can track your driving habits and provide detailed reports to insurers.

The result?

You could qualify for very cheap van insurance by proving you’re a low-risk driver.

Safety isn’t just about compliance.

It’s a smart financial decision.

Want more tips on lowering your premiums?

Check out our blog on 10 Simple Hacks to Instantly Lower Your Van Insurance and Save Big.

Conclusion

The Road Ahead for UK Van Drivers

The statistics, without a doubt, paint a clear picture.

Distracted driving continues to be a major issue for van drivers across the UK, posing ongoing challenges to road safety.

Moreover, the associated risks are far too significant to overlook.

However, by understanding the law, drivers can take meaningful steps to stay safe.

Using hands-free technology further protects both themselves and others.

Even more importantly, embracing safe driving habits significantly enhances safety.It also provides a practical way to lower van insurance costs.

It’s time to make a change.

Ready to dive deeper into related topics?

Here are some must-read blogs:

  1. Why Proper Vehicle Compliance Is Crucial For Road Safety

  2. Are You Driving a Car or a Van? Check Your Insurance Policy

  3. Can I Get Van Insurance As A New Driver

Take the first step toward safer, smarter driving today.

Save Money On Van Insurance With Telematics

Posted on by News Desk

Introduction

Telematics…

If you own a van or run a business that relies on a van fleet,

then you will know how expensive insurance can be.

With the cost of van insurance continuing to rise,

it’s no surprise that many van owners are looking for ways to reduce their premiums.

One of the most effective ways of doing this is by installing a telematics device in your van.

What Is Telematics And How Does It Work?

Telematics is a technology that uses GPS to track the location, speed, and driving habits of a vehicle.

Insurance companies can then calculate premiums based on how the van is being driven using this information.

By installing a telematics device in your van, you can demonstrate that you are a responsible driver.

It will reduce the risk of accidents, which in turn, can lead to lower insurance premiums.

The Benefits Of Installing A Telematics Device In Your Van

You can easily and quickly install telematics devices.

Once installed, they provide real-time information about your driving habits.

This information can include how fast you are driving, how hard you are braking, and how smoothly you are driving.

Insurance companies can use this information to calculate how much risk you represent

and offer you a policy tailored to your driving habits.

Using Telematics To Improve Your Driving Habits

In addition to reducing insurance premiums, there are other benefits to installing a telematics device in your van.

For example, it can help you to identify areas where you can improve your driving habits.

This can make you a safer and more responsible driver.

It can also help you to manage your fleet more effectively by providing you with real-time data.

It can provide the location of your vans and the performance of your drivers.

The Positive Impact Of Telematics

The use of telematics technology has been shown to reduce the number of accidents on the road.

This is because drivers are more aware of their driving habits.

Drivers are more likely to adopt safer driving practices when they know someone is monitoring their driving.

As a result, reducing the risk of accidents can lead to lower insurance premiums.

Conclusion

Telematics technology can be a valuable tool for van owners and businesses that rely on a van fleet.

By installing a telematics device in your van, you can demonstrate that you are a responsible driver,

reduce the risk of accidents, and potentially save money on your insurance premiums.

With the cost of van insurance continuing to rise, it’s important to explore all the options available to you to keep your costs down.

Telematics is a proven and effective way of doing this.

If you haven’t already done so, consider installing a telematics device in your van today and start reaping the benefits.

Van Insurance Set to Increase

Posted on by News Desk

As if the current lockdown wasn’t enough to have us all hunkering down for the winter, news this week is that van insurance is set to go up in cost. In fact, since the end of the last lockdown, they have, reports suggest, already increased by 1.6% in the last 3 months, compared to a drop of 2.4% during lockdown.

If you get all whizzy with the maths, that is still a net decrease of 0.8%, but given that many van insurance commentators (yes, they actually exist), had predicted a much greater fall, it doesn’t make for happy reading, especially considering that van drivers were one of the most affected jobs as a result of the lockdown, either by being unseasonably busy or simply unable to work.

There is some good news if you use your van as your main form of domestic transport too  with a social, domestic and pleasure policy – there has been a drop in the cost to renew your van insurance, but given that most of us use our vans for work, this doesn’t really help the drivers who use their vans to earn a living.

Also, with more people looking to switch career and get into van delivery driving due to the cut of jobs in other industries such as hospitality and leisure, bad news for the younger van drivers out there. Unless you are prepared to install a telematics device to reduce the cost of van insurance, the average cost of annual van insurance for the under 25’s is a whopping £3,091. 

What happens next? Well, if this year has taught us anything, it’s that none of us really know. But if you do want the best deals, our advice remains the same – complete our simple quote tool, and let the very best van insurance deals come directly to you. After all, life is hard enough. 

Cutting costs – How to Save on Your Van Insurance

Posted on by News Desk

It’s been a rough few months for everyone. Even the most hardy of us have been affected one way or another by COVID-19, and van drivers haven’t been exempted. And with the threat of a recession looming, keeping costs down is crucial, especially those that could be cheaper. 

So, we thought that now would be a good time to take a look at ways that you could potentially trim back some costs on your driving expenses. Just the smallest tweak could save you some bucks, and right now, that’s got to be a good thing. 

1: Do you really need that big van?

Yes, it makes you feel like the man, out on the road, compared to all those amateurs in their Twingo’s and Kangoo’s, but they may be having the last laugh, if they are running close to capacity and you’re riding around with space in the back almost every day. Not only is a bigger van costing you more in fuel and van insurance, but you’ll be paying more insurance for it too. Now, there are of course, costs attached with selling one to replace with another, but if It’s time for a new van, it’s worth thinking about trading down for something a bit smaller if you have the capacity to do so. And you could even spend that money you save on a fancier model with a few more bells and whistles. Doing that may not save you money upfront, but you might end up with a comfier ride and lower fuel and insurance costs.

Are you secure?

Not that your missus might run off with her personal trainer, but your van security – is it up to scratch? A tracking device or security etching could also save you. Vans are a big target for thieves, and anything you can do to reduce the risk of yours getting nicked or help in it being recovered can reduce your annual premiums. Don’t forget where you park overnight, either. Leave it on the roadside outside your home, because it’s a pain to get into your driveway, and you could be paying extra. 

Can you pay your van insurance annually?

If you can afford to, it’s always cheaper. APR’s of around 30% are not uncommon if you’re opting for monthly van insurance payments, which can add a few hundred quid onto your policy cost if you’re paying monthly. If you do need to pay monthly, make sure any comparison quotes you get are all showing those costs so you can make an accurate decision on which one works out the cheapest.

Consider Telematics:

Ok, so if you’re a bit older and prone to the odd white van man manoeuvre, then maybe getting a black box fitted is a bad idea. And there’s the whole Big Brother aspect that nobody likes, but if you are new to van driving or maybe the other side – older and generally sensible, then adding a telematics device could save you a few quid on your insurance too. 

Get Fast, Competitive Van Insurance Quotes

But, if all these options seem like a bit of a pain and not really your thing, we have one thing you can do that will definitely save you not just a few quid, but a massive chunk of time too – when it comes to renewing your van insurance, don’t forget to fill out our quick quote form. We’ll get the best quotes delivered directly to you, without you having to put in the legwork to getting you the best deal possible.

And who isn’t for the easy life, especially when times are tough?

Safe driving!

Van Drivers – Save £300 a Year on Insurance With Telematics

Posted on by News Desk

A recent study found that only 5% of van drivers in the UK have a telematics insurance policy. It’s amazing when you think about it…really.

Amazing how? Well, that same study discovered that van drivers who do have telematics installed, save, on average, around £300 a year on their van insurance costs. Not exactly small change is it now, and it makes you wonder why so many people are ignoring the power of telematics.

Perhaps the word on the street is that telematics van insurance is something to be avoided? It could very well be.

I myself have heard a few traders and “white van men” speak of telematics as though it is some kind of big brother watching over your shoulder, ready to pounce on any mistake in your driving style and then dish out punishment.

Of course, if you drive like a maniac and regularly break the rules of the road then a telematics policy for your van probably isn’t the best idea, but then again, being on the road probably isn’t a good idea either.

However, as far as I can tell your average van man or woman are a decent lot who want to follow the rules and be safe drivers on UK roads. This is why I reckon telematics would benefit the vast majority of van owners…far more than 5% anyway.

So how do you get started with telematics van insurance anyway? The best way is to contact your current insurer and ask them about it, or even better, use a van comparison website to find out which companies are offering the best deals.

Once you’ve chosen a provider they will probably install a device in your van which runs 24/7 and starts recording every time you turn the key in the ignition. Don’t worry, it isn’t recording your conversations. This isn’t the FBI, it’s telematics.

All they are interested in is driving data such as how fast you accelerate, how harsh you brake, and if you obey the speed limits. What is really impressive is the fact that all of this data is then available to view in Apps where the driver is given a score or rating.

Some van insurance companies even reward their customers with more discounts and prizes each month if you really impress with your driving.

So the incentive is definitely there to be on your best behaviour…but will British van drivers actually take the bait, or will they continue to pay sky high insurance rates, year after year? In my opinion, it could be the latter.

Which is a shame really because with the average van insurance quote reaching £1500 for the first time this year, I think a lot of van drivers could do with a £300 discount.

When you combine telematics with the power of a van insurance comparison site, then the potential to save even more cash is right there for the taking.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance is Half Price Thanks to 3G

Posted on by News Desk

The one message I get a lot from company owners is this…”our fleet of commercial vehicles, the insurance is just too expensive!” Not anymore.

I’ve been hearing good things about one particular commercial vehicle insurance company you see, who have been implementing something called “3G vehicle cameras” on all the vans they insure.

One of these 3G vehicle cameras is the IT1000 device, which a business who has a fleet of 30 commercial vehicles recently installed in every single one.

Amazingly, this has led to a 50% reduction in their insurance costs, which is roughly about £4000 per year, per vehicle, which they haven’t had to pay out.

The reason? Because they now have advanced cameras on each and every van, which means when someone tries to make a claim against one of their vehicles, they are in a much better position to defend themselves.

Not only that, but the insurance company can also see exactly what happened, which means they are not paying out for bogus claims.

It’s working very nicely as well. The previous year, this particular company had almost 40 claims made against their fleet of commercial vehicles. Fast forward to the present day and that number now stands at only 6 claims.

Even better, the use of “3G” in their vans has made the company more profitable, as drivers and their driving style is now more easily monitored, resulting in a more focused workforce who get the job done to best of their ability, and more importantly, on time.

So is 3G vehicle cameras now essential for all companies that want to get the best and cheapest insurance quotes for their fleet? In my opinion…YES.

Any kind of camera or monitoring system will do, although these 3G gadgets are state of the art and allow the insurance companies to see exactly what went on, as quickly as possible.

What about the average white van man, so to speak…should they also embrace this whole 3G thing or is it more for fleet management? While I think installing a IT1000 device might be a bit over the top for a sole trader roofer or builder, you might want to consider buying a dashcam (or two).

You then install these dashcams on the front and rear of the van, where everything is recorded and available to be played back if needed.

Fortunately, van insurance companies are starting to notice the power of these dashcams and that is why you can get cheap quotes for having them installed.

Also, don’t forget about something called telematics, which many insurers now offer in a bid to monitor your driving style.

Agree to this and you could be well on the way to cheap van insurance, as long as you obey the laws of the road.

Van Driver Takes on a Lamborghini…And Wins!

Posted on by News Desk

Typically you will find van drivers going about their everyday business and obeying the speed limits…not racing a Lamborghini. Well, it happened.

The moment a wannabe Lewis Hamilton (in a van) decided to go up against the £150,000 Lamborghini sports car was actually caught on video by a passer-by with his mobile phone in Altrincham, Manchester.

It appears the transit van went up against the luxury sports car through 3 sets of traffic lights, before finally coming out as victorious. I’m sure this is a video the Lamborghini owner doesn’t want to be seen.

However, it has quickly become a hit on the internet, with thousands of views and hundreds of comments so far about the incident.

What seems to have happened is that at first, the sports car took the lead with an initial burst of power and acceleration you would expect from such a machine.

The traffic lights put a limit on how far the car could go though, which no doubt frustrated the driver because he couldn’t get out of second gear and also got stuck in a bit of traffic.

The van driver had no such problems. He kept his cool and used all of his van drivers knowledge about road driving and dealing with traffic lights to come out as the winner.

So that is 1 – 0 to the van driver, although I don’t think that would be the case if they took to a race track or had a clear stretch of road. I reckon the Lamborghini might just get ahead if they had those kind of conditions.

Let’s just hope that this particular van driver had the appropriate van insurance and that he didn’t break any speed limits or laws of the road.

I’m sure a Police officer wouldn’t be too impressed if he saw a van and Lamborghini racing down the street, even if it was only from traffic light to traffic light without any real dangerous manoeuvrers

For any one thinking about getting into transit van racing just be aware that van insurance companies don’t like this kind of activity either, and if something happens while you are racing then don’t be surprised if you can’t make a claim.

Not only that, but if you decide to install telematics in a bid to get cheaper van insurance, then your driving style will be monitored, and if you come across as a bit of wannabe racing driver in the data, then you could just find yourself with even more expensive insurance.

Driving at 31mph Could Mean Very Expensive Van Insurance

Posted on by News Desk

As the Police are getting tougher on motorists who speed on the roads, van drivers are being warned about the potential expense of being pulled over.

This comes after reports of a van driver who was stopped by the cops for speeding at 31mph in a 20mph zone, and after a good telling off they decided to slap 6 points onto his license. Not exactly something you want to happen is it, but Police now have orders to be tougher on anyone caught speeding.

If 6 points on your license isn’t enough punishment, van drivers are being made aware of the potential expense it could mean for their wallet…when it comes to van insurance that is.

The amount of points you have on your license is taken into consideration by the van insurance companies when you send in your application, and when they see a recent 6 points, and for speeding as well…then don’t be surprised if you find yourself paying hundreds of pounds more than you expect.

One site even did a calculation on exactly how much 6 points on your license could add to your insurance, and they came up with a number of £328, which on average, could very well be put on to a van insurance quote.

Let’s face it, van insurance is expensive enough right now as it is, do you really want to be paying more? Of course not, and that is why you should always watch your speed and keep it within the limits. Even going a few miles per hour above the speed limit can result in a fine and points. Don’t take the chance.

You might want to consider telematics insurance for your van, where all of the driving data is recorded and then sent off to the insurance company.

If you stay within the speed limits and drive safely, then not only will you keep out of trouble with the law, but your van insurer will also see what a good driver you are and hopefully reward you with a cheaper policy, not a more expensive one.

Another good way to make sure you get cheap van insurance is to visit a comparison website, where in only 3 minutes you can put in some basic details about yourself and your van, and then instantly get access to over 100 quotes.

Also, don’t forget that you can get a quote at anytime even if your renewal date is a few months away.

What a lot of drivers do is to start comparing quotes around 2 months before their renewal comes up, then if they find a really cheap deal they can simply pay a small cancellation fee with their current provider to end the coverage early and begin with the cheap van insurance right away.

Drivers “Optimistic” About New Van Technology

Posted on by News Desk

New van technology is here, and it is here to stay. Drivers have not always embraced this kind of technology..until now? A new survey reveals all.

This survey was actually conducted by a van insurance comparison website, a bit like this one, although we think our site is much easier to use. Straight to the point and no-nonsense.

Out of all the people asked in the survey, more than 50% said they were concerned about safety when it came to new technology in their vans.

I can see where they are coming from with that one, because at the end of the day, when you have all these new gadgets installed in your van it often takes your attention away from the road.

Just under 50% of those surveyed admitted that new van technology could very well make them too reliant on gadgets, to the point where it would diminish the actual skill of the worker.

I agree with that one. Yes technology is good, but I think we could soon get to a point where the reliance on technology is just too much, and the skill level of van drivers is not what it was.

Not surprisingly, only 1.5% of van drivers said they wanted technology that allowed them to run apps in their vans. I’m sure that most drivers still struggle to operate the apps on their phone, never mind starting to integrate it into the vehicle. Too confusing.

Automatic parking fared a bit better in the survey, with many van drivers admitting they prefer to let the vehicle do the work rather than having to park themselves.

However, when it came to the subject of driverless vans many people were not so keen, obviously because if a van doesn’t need a driver then many of those who were surveyed would be out of a job.

Drivers also didn’t like the idea of telematics that is designed to monitor driving style in a bid to get cheap van insurance. Although they like the idea of paying less, the “big brother” nature of telematics is a bit off putting for many of those surveyed.

In my opinion I don’t think they have anything to be concerned about when it comes to telelmatics, as long as they are obeying the laws of the road of course.

Cheap van insurance is difficult enough to find, so anything that can be done to gain trust of the insurance companies should be applauded and not ignored.

Just like a van insurance comparison website. Every van driver should use one if you ask me, mainly because you can find many different quotes and then instantly compare them.

Overall, the survey found that many drivers were “optimistic” about new van technology, with 82% being interested in some form of technology that is on offer right now.

Hitachi Commercial Vehicles to Install RAC Telematics

Posted on by News Desk

In a move that has caught the attention of drivers, it was recently announced that Hitachi would be installing telematics on all their commercial vehicles.

This includes vans of course, so this is certainly something that van drivers and companies who employ van drivers might want to take a closer look at.

The telematics is to be provided by the RAC and if everything goes well then we might even see them use this technology in the consumer car market. Let’s wait to see what happens there.

For now though, thousands of commercial vehicles in the UK will be equipped with telematics technology, where driver and vehicle data will be recorded in order to give everyone more details about performance.

A good example could be a delivery company who have vans and wants to improve getting packages out on time. Having telematics installed in their vans means that they can look closer into things like how their employees are driving and whether or not the best route is being taken.

Not only that, but let’s not forget that telematics is an excellent device to have installed if you want to get cheaper van insurance.

Typically, having this kind of technology makes drivers better on the road, which means you can then show this data to van insurance companies who will reward you with cheaper policies.

So is telematics in vans and other commercial vehicles the future you might be wondering, or is it simply a fad that will go away? In my opinion it’s definitely here to stay, mainly because it offers so many insights into driver behaviour and ways to make your company better.

Sure, there are people out there who say that it’s too much of a “big brother” type scenario where employers are going to be monitoring every thing their employees do, but to that I say…if you haven’t got anything to hide then having telematics in your van shouldn’t bother you in the slightest.

That’s what I say anyway…I’m sure there are many people who disagree with me on this, but I really don’t think it is going to stop more commercial vehicle companies going down the telematics route, especially when the end result is it saves money for everyone involved.

You know, I think there are thousands of van drivers out there who would install telematics in their van tomorrow if they knew it could save them a few hundred pounds a year on insurance.

We’ve already heard about how van insurance is more expensive than car insurance…surely this type of technology should be applauded if it can save commercial drivers money? I for one think it should.

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